Melbourne public transport satisfaction reaches highest level in five years

PASSENGER satisfaction is at its highest level in five years, according to the results of the most recent quarterly telephone surveys of travellers using Melbourne's trains, trams, buses and taxis.

Overall satisfaction with Melbourne's public transport network rose to 62.7 index points, a rise of 0.8 points since the previous survey for the September 2011 quarter.

Public Transport Minister Terry Mulder said surveyed commuters using Melbourne's trains expressed the highest satisfaction for five years with an index score of 64, a rise of 1.7 points on the September 2011 quarter.

The Minister said tram users expressed greater satisfaction with tram drivers, with overall satisfaction being consistent with the 70 index point result also recorded in the September 2011 quarter.

"The increased passenger satisfaction for Melbourne's Metro (trains) and Yarra Trams is particularly pleasing because these two modes account for 79 per cent of Melbourne's 523.1 million per annum public transport trips," Mr Mulder said.

Bus commuters recorded a satisfaction level of 71.5 index points, the highest recorded since the September quarter 2003.

While higher than for metropolitan trains, passenger satisfaction with V/Line trains has dropped in recent years, and was 71.5 index points for the December quarter.

Mr Mulder said that while taxi satisfaction rose in the latest quarter to 59.8 index points, it was well below any other transport mode and confirmed the importance of the Taxi Industry Inquiry chaired by Professor Allan Fels.